Search results for

Appetites will be put to the test at El Chingon, the popular “Bad Ass Mexican” hotspot at 560 Fifth Ave. in the Gaslamp Quarter. The restaurant will honor National Fish Taco Day with a high-energy fish taco eating challenge for serious taco fans on Sunday, Jan. 25. Taco enthusiasts with big appetites will be hooked on the eating challenge, which will have competitors racing to see who can finish five Jorge’s Taco de Pescado tacos the fastest. The fan-favorite features battered cod topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, Mexican citrus cream and chipotle cream. Check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the challenge will start at 6 p.m. Registration is free and available through the Eventbrite website. Those cheering from the sidelines can fuel up with El Chingon’s extensive menu, with standout dishes such as the California burrito with carne asada, loaded fries, pico de gallo, Mexican citrus cream and Chingón cheese blend; a taco plate with a choice of any three tacos served with rice and refried beans; and the Mexican Cuban, a fresh take on the classic Cuban sandwich made with slow-braised beef birria, melted Swiss cheese, pickled jalapeños and mustard on buttery Cuban bread; among others. Guests can raise a glass to the champion with El Chingon’s standout sips, including the Battle of Juárez made with Cazadores Blanco, lime, guava, agave and R&D Fire Bitters; the Mexican Firing Squad with spirit, lime, house-made grenadine and R&D House Bitters; and the Pancho Villa featuring El Jimador Blanco, lime, salt and a choice of Jarritos; among others. More information about El Chingon is available on the website at www.ElChingon.com/San-Diego, by calling 619-501-1919 and on Facebook and Instagram at @ElChingonSD

El Chingon, San Diego's “Bad Ass Mexican” hotspot at 560 Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter, will bring championship-level energy to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19. Guests who arrive by kickoff wearing their team’s gear will receive half off their tab if their team wins the CFP national title. The high-energy viewing party will feature wall-to-wall coverage of college football’s biggest matchup across a 120-inch LED screen and 10 high-definition TVs, setting the stage for an electric night of bold flavors, big plays and celebratory vibes as fans gather for the season’s final showdown. Guests may fuel up with signature cocktails like the Madero, made with Real Del Valle tequila, house-made watermelon cordial and Tajín, priced at $14; Prime Hydration Margarita mixed with Real Del Valle Blanco, Prime Hydration lemonade, pineapple and fresh lime with a Tajín rim, priced at $14; among others. Football-friendly food offerings will include Nachos Libres topped with a Chingón cheese blend, Mexican citrus cream, jalapeño, avocado cream, pico de gallo and guacamole, priced at $12; wings in choice of sauce including BBQ, buffalo, spicy chipotle or mango habanero served with ranch and spicy carrots, priced at six for $11 or 12 for $19; or Parrillada Chingona, a shareable platter of carnitas, grilled steak, chicken and shrimp served with rice, beans, guacamole and tortillas, priced at $65. More information about El Chingon is available on the website at www.ElChingon.com/San-Diego, by calling 619-501-1919 and on Facebook and Instagram at @ElChingonSD

According to the county, "the changes help us keep pace with rising costs while continuing to provide high-quality parks, trails, and recreation opportunities at a good value when compared to similar park systems."

On Friday, Dec. 5, Songwriter Sanctuary will ring in the holidays with a season closer featuring original music from some of San Diego’s folkiest and funniest troubadours. Don your gay apparel and join Cara Cormier, Peggy Watson and Dave Beldock, and JT Moring as they swap songs and stories in a Nashville-style round. The event is hosted by the legendary Jeff Berkley in partnership with Normal Heights United. (4650 Mansfield St. Suggested Donation $10. All ages. Doors 6:30 p.m., Music 7 p.m.) All donations collected go directly to artists, and no one is turned away for lack of funds. Community Care: Normal Heights United has a big community fridge and pantry just steps from the venue. Please consider bringing unopened/unexpired items for under-resourced neighbors! If our Songwriter Sanctuary audience can stock it once a month, that would be an incredible gift to the community and support for our venue partners at NHU who actually church like churches should church! (No frozen items please.) About the Artists Cara Cormier flings lyrical spaghetti into the universe to keep herself sane, help people laugh, and create a more just and compassionate society. Drawing from her rural Kansas Mennonite upbringing, Cara uses her love of folk and Americana styles to craft cheeky, heartfelt story-songs using acoustic guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, and spoons. From hysterical dating accounts to mischievous protest songs to tender confessionals, Cara writes the songs you never expected to hear. David Beldock and Peggy Watson started their collaboration as unlikely music partners. While David spent years performing with various bands, honing his rock and blues guitar playing, Peggy was rooted in contemporary folk traditions with occasional detours into jazz and pop. But when they joined forces, they discovered that writing songs together was a fun challenge that they couldn’t resist. The result has been a collection of melodic, thoughtful, funny, and emotional songs that appeal to a wide range of listeners. Their styles span everything from folk to jazz to blues to show tunes. JT Moring is a dynamic entertainer known for incisive songs/stories and audience engagement. He performs solo on guitar or banjo, and in collaboration with a collection of San Diego County’s top musicians. 2024 was a year of recording, performances with Storytellers of San Diego (where they let me sing as long as I tell a story to go with it!), house concerts, backyard parties, Adams Avenue Unplugged, and recording and releasing a new album LINES. Get on the email list for notifications. 2025 has seen a lot of new songs and lots of performances, many of them with Richie Strell (harmonicas and other noisemakers), and Terry Wardell (bass). Event Details Location: Normal Heights United Church: 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116. Thank you to our generous venue partner for sharing this beautiful space with the local music community! Time: Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7-9 p.m. ish. Suggested Donation: $10 (all ages) but please be generous in your support of these top tier talents whose creative work is their livelihood. 100% donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds. All Ages: Bear in mind we do not censor our artists so please make sure to check out the lineup and make the best decision for your family. Parking: Street parking. Food/Drink: Beverages for small purchase, thanks to our sponsors Babe Beverages and Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring their own food into the venue (please eat and dispose of waste respectfully). There are so many delicious restaurants within walking distance - feel free to grab something take-out and bring it in! Accessibility: Normal Heights United is a 120+ year-old building with a non-traditional seating arrangement, but we want every guest to feel safe and supported. Please send any accommodation requests to Molly at mollyrose@nhunited.org at least five (5) business days prior to the event. Entrances & Seating: The venue has an ADA ramp entrance and two rows of reserved seating for guests who use wheelchairs and/or need additional space. Balcony seating (stair access only) is available for those who prefer less noise or stimulation. Our online RSVP form also includes a space to share accessibility preferences. Sensory & Safety: A sensory/safety station in the foyer offers single-use masks, ear plugs, and hand sanitizer. Two Corsi-Rosenthal box fan filters run during the event. Notepads are available at entry and concession for anyone who prefers to communicate in writing. If you’re feeling unwell, please plan to join us another time to help keep our community healthy. Event Enhancements: Whenever possible, we post a QR code with lyrics to featured artists’ songs for enhanced accessibility. Future Goals: We are actively seeking funding partners to provide ASL services for the 2026 season and have long-term goals of offering a livestream ticketing option. Please stay tuned and continue supporting us as we work toward these and other accessibility goals. Photo/Video Consent: Unless artists give blanket consent, please ask for consent before posting the faces and/or prominent features of folks online. While we've previously operated under the assumption that public events imply consent, a thoughtful call-in reminded us that consent must always come first, especially in a time when people’s images can be weaponized. Songwriter Sanctuary is committed to prioritizing consent and will continue to model and encourage this practice in our community. For inquiries, media comps, or further information, please contact: Lindsay White lindsaywhite.music@gmail.com Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego on Instagram

Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz’s death marks the latest in Imperial County in months and is among four across the country this year.

In honor of Veterans Day, San Diego’s standout restaurants and bars are showing gratitude with exclusive dining specials for veterans and active-duty military. Whether it’s complimentary tacos or a discounted bill, these spots are celebrating service with the taste of appreciation. GBOD Hospitality Group will offer veterans and active-duty military personnel a 10% discount on their bill at Bencotto, Monello, Havana 1920, Prohibition, plus additional specials at El Chingón. El Chingón, San Diego’s “Bad Ass Mexican” hotspot at 560 Fifth Ave., will offer two complimentary tacos with any purchase. Standout taco selections include veggie, el típico, birria, al pastor, carnitas, Jorge’s Taco de Pescado and shrimp. Signature dishes include pork belly, a tender, boneless cut served with guacamole, rice, refried beans and a choice of tortillas, priced at $32; and the El Chingon burro, loaded with pico de gallo, guacamole, rice, beans, cheese and sour cream, with choice of shredded chicken, shredded beef, pollo asado, chile relleno, carnitas, birria, carne asada or shrimp, priced starting at $9. Located in the heart of Little Italy, Bencotto features favorites like the pollo alla pizzaiola, featuring a lightly fried breaded chicken breast topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes, priced at $30; ravioli al granchio, handmade half-moon ravioli filled with crab meat, served in a creamy lemon zest Chardonnay sauce, priced at $28; and salmone Mediterraneo, sautéed salmon with white wine, lemon, olives, cherry tomatoes and garlic, served with dill mashed potatoes, priced at $36. Monello, located next door to Bencotto Italian Kitchen, offers standout dishes like spaghetti di zafferano con gamberi, bronze-die saffron spaghetti with shrimp, lemon zest and a Prosecco cream sauce, priced at $26; stinco di agnello, lamb shank slowly roasted with herbs, vegetables and port red wine, served with roasted potatoes, priced at $38; or classic prosciutto pizza, with Prosciutto di Parma with cheese sauce, mozzarella, figs and raspadura, priced at $26. Havana 1920, located at 548 Fifth Ave. in the Gaslamp Quarter, offers dishes and drinks that bring the taste of Cuba straight to San Diego. Standouts include the award winning Cubano with slices of slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed between fresh Cuban bread, priced at $17; bistec Havana, an Angus skirt steak topped with house-made chimichurri, served with toasted Cuban bread and a side salad, priced at $30; and the Ropa Vieja, the national dish of Cuba which includes shredded beef with peppers, olives and onions, priced at $24. Prohibition, the Gaslamp Quarter’s sultry speakeasy, offers popular cocktails like Sweet But Not Too Sweet, made with Patrón Reposado Single Barrel, passion fruit, pineapple, lime, R&D Fire Bitters and a Tajín rim; Trébol Club, mixed with Patrón Reposado Tequila, raspberry, lemon, honey, egg white and R&D Cherry Apple Bitters; or the Hotel Nacional, featuring Havana Club Blanco, pineapple, lime, demerara, apricot and R&D Aromatic #7 Bitters, all cocktails priced at $18. Clique Hospitality will offer 20% off at Temaki Bar: Handroll, Sushi, Sake; Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine; and Serẽa Coastal Cuisine to all veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid ID. Guests can enjoy premium seafood or sushi paired with craft cocktails at any of the three restaurants below. Temaki Bar offers fresh, hand-rolled sushi such as the Mama’s Roll, with shrimp tempura, blue crab, ooba, cucumber, seared salmon, sweet soy, sesame seeds, negi and lemon, priced at $24; the Super Ninja Bunny Roll with blue crab, toro, bubu arare, chives, brown butter aioli, caviar and truffle oil, priced at $25; among others. Standouts at Lionfish include roasted truffle chicken with truffle butter, sourdough crust and chicken truffle au jus; spaghetti lobster “homard,” featuring half a lobster, Nueske bacon lardon, dashi cognac cream and chives; and spicy grilled octopus with fermented chile, crispy garlic, crispy potatoes and cilantro aioli; among others. At Serẽa, craveable seafood dishes include bigeye tuna tartare with market citrus, petite herbs, Calabrian caper tapenade and crostini; spicy lobster rigatoni, with Maine lobster, calabrian chile and tomato vodka cream; among others.

Freedom Dogs gives veterans and active military members a lifeline through service animals. But a delay in federal funding could force the organization to cut its program in half.

Football season is back, and Brickmans at Lakehouse Resort in San Marcos is the ultimate spot to catch every play this year. Starting Sunday, September 7, fans can enjoy NFL action all season long with game day specials designed for sharing. NFL Game Day Specials (Every Sunday through the Super Bowl): Gameday Wing Tower: 24 wings stacked high for $30 Pitchers of Brickmans Blonde or Modelo: $20 Pitchers of Other Draft Beers: $25 Carnitas Nachos: $16 (carnitas, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, jalapeños, lime crema) Located right on the golf course at The Links at Lakehouse, Brickmans combines elevated pub-style dining with a lively, social atmosphere perfect for groups looking to settle in for Sunday football. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, shareable plates, and a selection of local beers brewed right here in San Diego County. With a total of 11 big screens throughout the space, a warm and inviting interior, and plenty of patio seating, Brickmans offers the perfect backdrop for fans to cheer on their teams. Full Hours Of Operation: Breakfast, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Lunch, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Dinner, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (Sunday - Thursday) /10 p.m. (Friday & Saturday) Brunch, Saturday & Sunday from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

A ballroom at the White House could seat nearly a 1,000 guests for state dinners, but what to do while it's being built? NPR's Scott Simon suggests holding state dinners at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Where heroes refuel and villains indulge. A bold blend of Mediterranean flavor and Comic-Con flair, Mezé is serving up a full spread of heroic cocktails and villain-worthy bites. Whether you’re saving the day or embracing the dark side, this menu delivers. Cocktail Specials: The Caped Crusader – Mezcal, Aperol, passion fruit, lemon, Tajín rim The Sidekick – Whiskey, juniper blackberry & ginger, lemon Pennyworth for Your Thoughts – Whiskey or vodka, espresso, orgeat, sarsaparilla bitters Food Specials: Two Face Taquitos – Pico de Greco, avo-crema, feta Birds of Prey – Crispy mint-seasoned meatballs The Bat Signal – Jumbo shrimp flambéed in Ouzo, served tableside Inspired by the Batman Universe From fire-grilled shrimp to dual-natured taquitos, this is the Comic-Con feast your alter ego deserves. Visit: Mezé Greek Fusion Heroes Refuel Meze Greek Fusion on Instagram and Facebook